Berkshire County Highlights for Families:
June 2017

Find out about community events and learning opportunities happening throughout Berkshire County for the month of June. We’ll be adding to this list as the month progresses, so be sure to check back each week.

If you have a community event, educational program, or service-learning opportunity happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, self-post your event at any time on our Suggest An Event bulletin board. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness, and costs before attending.

To find out what’s happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, check our comprehensive list of Weekly Suggested Events, published every Thursday! There you will also find our list of ongoing weekday playgroups, story hours and events both in Berkshire County and throughout the region.

ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! Find out more about our advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by emailing Sales & Marketing Manger, Merricka Breuer at mbreuer@hilltownfamilies.org.

Berkshire Family Fun, a project of Hilltown Families, is sponsored in part by MASS MoCA:

Berkshire Family Fun is also supported in part by a grant from the Hinsdale-Peru, Pittsfield, Sandisfield, Windsor, Washington, and Mt. Washington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Saturday, June 3, 10am-1pmHORTICULTURE/COLLABORATIVE CONSUMPTION
Want to expand your garden this summer? Grab some seedlings or perennials for your garden, and leave what you don’t need, at the Community Seedling Swap in North Adams. You do not need to bring something to take something. Seed swaps are a form of collaborative consumption, encouraging community members to gather together and meet each other’s horticultural needs at no cost. Find the swap on the South side of Main Street, near the bus shelter. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 17, 7am-10amORNITHOLOGY/GUIDED NATURE HIKE
Do you enjoy strenuous hiking? On your next hike, you can meet other naturalists and learn how to identify birds at different levels of elevation and across different ecological areas. Target species for identification will include the blackpoll warbler and Swainson’s thrush. Participants on this guided hike will explore the boreal and mixed forest along Jones Nose ridge near the summit of Mt. Greylock. Bring binoculars and trail snacks. Directions to the meeting places will be provided upon registration. Registration is required via the Mass Audubon website. Mount Greylock. North Adams, MA. (Members <$; Non members $)

Monday, June 19, 5pmPARENTING/TECHNOLOGY
Parents have been debating the merits and detrimental effects of television since its inception. Parents today, though, have to make many more decisions about technology in their households. According to a 2015 study from Common Sense Media, teenagers spend an average of almost nine hours per day looking at a screen. Screens in the form of phones, tablets, and computers, are now both portable and often individualized as opposed to a shared television which is easier to monitor. The personalized nature of social media also opens vulnerable teens up to bullying and other interpersonal problems even after they get home from school. The documentary Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age provides parents with useful information on teen technology use, as well as resources and tips for navigating this parenting issue. You can attend a free screening of this film, followed by a panel discussion. For more info, contact Tim Shiebler at 413-663-7588. Drury High School Auditorium. 1130 Church Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

Wednesday, June 21, 6:30pmOUTDOOR CONCERT/PLACEMAKING
Concerts at Windsor Lake feature all the family fun of an outdoor musical event, with the beautiful natural landscape of the lake! In addition to picnicking and enjoying music, families can take this opportunity to swim, fish, kayak or canoe around the lake! The series runs every Wednesday at 6:30pm through August 30th (excluding August 16th for the Downtown Celebration). On June 21, JP Murphy will entertain visitors with traditional Irish music. Windsor Lake. 200 Windsor Lake Road at the intersection of Bradley Street and Kemp Ave. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

Monday, June 26, 10am-11:30amHORTICULTURE/GARDENING
Gardening can connect children to nature and create fun, positive associations with healthy foods. Youth ages seven and up can learn all about gardening in a 6-week long summer program at the North Adams Public Library. The program will focus on the theme, “Preserving the Harvest.” Participants will grow and dehydrate vegetables and herbs, and make butter. Registration is required. Attendance for all six weeks is encouraged. 413-662-3133 ex 14. 74 Church Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

Wednesday, June 28, 6:30pmPLACEMAKING/MUSIC STUDIES
Do you like to picnic with your family over the summer? Have your next picnic dinner at Windsor Lake and enjoy family-friendly music, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. You can connect with local musicians and music fans while you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake. On June 28, Satellite Shine will perform. 200 Windsor Lake Road. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

Thursday, June 29, 6pmSUMMER READING/MUSIC STUDIES
Keep the learning going all summer long by participating in the North Adams Public Library summer reading program. A fun way to get involved is to attend their kick-off concert with musician Jay Mankita. You can learn about and sign up for the program, and hear educational songs about topics such as baseball, dolphins, aliens, rainforests, and dinosaurs, plus time travel, camels, caribou, soap, dreams, and of course, books and libraries! Call 413-662-3133 ex 14 for more information. 74 Church Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, June 4, 3pmART STUDIES/FURNTIRUE DESIGN
Curators of museums pull together pieces of artwork, design their layout across multiple rooms, all so that museum-goers can have the most informative experience. Similarly, interior designers pick artwork and furniture to create a cohesive space. Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema’s (British, born Netherlands 1836-1912) designed a music room for the New York mansion of financier, art collector, and philanthropist Henry Gurdon Marquand (1819-1902). An upcoming exhibition, Orchestrating Elegance: Alma-Tadema and Design at the Clark Art Institute, will feature twelve of nineteen pieces from the original furniture suite. Co-curators Kathleen Morris and Alexis Goodin will provide an opening lecture for the exhibition. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, June 11, 3pm-4pmART STUDIES
You may think of artists like Picasso as completely independent thinkers, creating amazing work alone. Like many artists, however, Picasso utilized the power of collaboration, working frequently with the printers who helped him create his copper plates, the foundries who cast his bronzes, and the publishers who sold his prints. Manton Curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs Jay A. Clarke will explain how these collaborations helped fuel and strengthen Picasso’s artwork, in a lecture at the Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (Adults $; Clark members, children 18 and younger, and students with valid ID FREE)

Saturday, June 17, 10am-5pmART STUDIES/INTERGENERATIONAL
Creative Encounters Family Day at the Clark Art Institute will encourage artistic explorations through a wide variety of intergenerational activities. Programs are based on the current exhibitions Orchestrating Elegance: Alma-Tadema and Design, and Picasso: Encounters. You can catch a dramatization of the ancient Greek tale, “The Myth of Persephone,” at 11:30am or 1:30pm. There will also be a performance by family musician Mister G, face painting, artist demonstrations, creative play, painting, and a musical petting zoo and much more! Visit the Clark website for a full schedule of activities. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

Friday, June 23, 10am-5pmMUSEUM ADVENTURES/ART STUDIES
The Clark Art Institute in the Berkshires is both an art museum and a center for research, critical discussion, and higher education in the visual arts. The permanent exhibit is home to European and American paintings and sculpture, extensive collections of master prints and drawings, English silver, and early photography. Families can pay a visit to the museum for no charge as part of the Highland Street Foundation’s ninth annual Free Fun Fridays series. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

Friday, June 9, 7pm-9pmGUIDED NATURE HIKEBill Watterson, the author of the popular Calvin and Hobbes Series, once wrote: “If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I’ll bet they’d live a lot differently.” You can combine stargazing with hiking on a full moon, evening hike. Naturalist and Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Center Director will guide participants on a walk aroundNotchview, ending at Sawmill Field for the rising of the full moon to the east. For more information call 413-532-1631 x3110 or email acaluori@thetrustees.org. 83 Old Route 9. Windsor, MA. (<$)

Central Berkshire

Wednesday, June 21, 6:15pmDANCE STUDIES
Dance is both a sport and an art, utilizing the power and flexibility of the human body to evoke emotion and even to tell stories. Dance is a cross-cultural phenomenon occurring all over the world wherever music is played; even babies like to dance! Jacob’s Pillow Dance’s iconic outdoor Inside/Out stage is the perfect place to see contemporary dance this summer. To kick off the 2017 season’s free Inside/Out Performance Series, internationally acclaimed dance company Pilobolus will perform a new work commissioned specifically for the Pillow’s stage. 413-243-9919. 358 George Carter Road. Becket, MA. (FREE).

Thursday, June 22, 6:15pmDANCE STUDIES
Dance is both a sport and an art, utilizing the power and flexibility of the human body to evoke emotion and even to tell stories. Dance is a cross-cultural phenomenon occurring all over the world wherever music is played; even babies like to dance! Jacob’s Pillow Dance’s iconic outdoor Inside/Out stage is the perfect place to see contemporary dance this summer. To kick off the 2017 season’s free Inside/Out Performance Series, internationally acclaimed dance company Pilobolus will perform a new work commissioned specifically for the Pillow’s stage. 413-243-9919. 358 George Carter Road. Becket, MA. (FREE).

Friday, June 23, 5pmDANCE STUDIES
Dance is both a sport and an art, utilizing the power and flexibility of the human body to evoke emotion and even to tell stories. Dance is a cross-cultural phenomenon occurring all over the world wherever music is played; even babies like to dance! Come to Jacob’s Pillow Dance’s to hear Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award winner and trailblazing choreographer Liz Lerman speak about dance at 5pm. Then, at 6:15pm, internationally acclaimed dance company Pilobolus will perform a new work commissioned specifically for the Pillow’s iconic, outdoor stage. 413-243-9919. 358 George Carter Road. Becket, MA. (FREE).

Tuesday, June 20, 6:30pm-7:30pmHEALTH/WELLNESS
Millions of people suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain can seriously inhibit everyday functioning, and is the most common cause of long-term disability. Dave Halley, MSW, will discuss strategies for managing chronic pain at home, in a presentation at the Lee Library. His practice Healing Hands Bodywork is located in Stockbridge. 413-243-0385. 100 Main Street. Lee, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 3, 10am-4pmECOLOGY/OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Nature lovers, animal lovers, scientists, and curious people of all ages are invited to Family Fun Day at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary for a full day of educational activities! Visit one of the exploration stations for bird watching, an insect safari, fish surveys and other interesting zoological learning. There will be live music, food, nature crafts for kids, information on beekeeping and much more. All are welcome. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 10, 9amCOMMUNITY MEALS/PLACEMAKING
The Lenox Rhubarb Festival held outside of the Lenox Library is an example of a unique and community-building use of public space. This festival sheds a new light on the ingredient, rhubarb, as you see it used in an array of sweet and savory dishes! The event will kick off with a pancake breakfast. Learn by example by purchasing a rhubarb recipe booklet and fresh local rhubarb. There will also be rhubarb plants available. Local experts will share advice for those who want to learn how to grow the plant on their own. 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, June 11, 3:30pmSCULPTURE
Outdoor sculpture works are often created in a kind of artistic conversation with the landscapes they inhabit. You can explore several outdoor artworks at the SculptureNow Opening Reception. The artist-led guided tour is a wonderful opportunity to stroll the grounds of The Mount and learn about the large-scale sculptures – what materials were used, how they were made, how they were transported, how long it took to make them, and more. The tour will meet in the Stable. A 5pm reception on the Terrace will follow. 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street. Lenox, MA. (FREE)

Wednesday, June 14, 7:30pmHISTORY
Teens and adults who enjoy spooky stories and exploring unfamiliar places will enjoy taking a “ghost tour” at The Mount. Syfy’s Ghost Hunters found The Mount to be full of eerie experiences. Whether or not you believe in anything supernatural, these tours are a fun and unique way of learning about history, as you tour the grounds of a place that was once a home to writers such as Edith Wharton, as well as actors, wealthy families, and hardworking servants. This program is not recommended for children under twelve. 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street. Lenox, MA. ($)

Wednesday, June 14, 7:30pm-9pmECOLOGY/BEAVERS
From afar, a beaver dam looks like a big pile of sticks, but a closer examination reveals careful construction and cool inner architecture! Through the creation of dams, beavers have had profound effects on plant, animal, and microbial communities across the country. Learn more about our country’s largest rodent and their relationship within our ecosystem by visiting the beaver ponds at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. This program is suitable for ages three and up. Wear long pants, long sleeves, and a hat. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration suggested but not required. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. (<$)

Saturday, June 17, 4pmLIVING HISTORY/WOMEN’S HISTORY
Have you ever heard of the term “chatelaine?” It is the feminine version of a castellan. Chatelaine refers to the head of a large household, a woman of many domestic duties. Mrs. George Morgan, known as Sarah to her friends and family, was chatelaine to one of Lenox’s greatest cottages, and she invites you and your family to a summer tea! Actress Anne Undeland will be playing Mrs. Morgan at Ventfort Hall for this gathering, set in 1895. Reservations are required. Call 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA. ($$)

Friday, June 23, 10am-3pmMUSEUM ADVENTURES/LITERATURE
Once home to American author, Edith Wharton (1862-1937), The Mount now serves both as a monument to Wharton’s career and as a year-round cultural center, home to beautiful hills and winding rivers. The Mount has been a favorite locale for artists and authors alike for centuries, offering opportunities to learn about Wharton’s remarkable literary achievements (more than 40 books in 40 years and a Pulitzer Prize), experience art and cultural events, and learn about life in the early 1900s. The Mount will be opening its doors as part of the 9th annual Free Fun Friday program, inviting visitors from far and wide to visit free of charge! Explore the home, the gardens, and the trails, and take part in special activities throughout the day. 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street. Lenox, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, June 25, 9am-11amFITNESS/RUNNING
Running on the road is a different experience than running through a wooded trail. The “Wild Thing” 5/10k is a wooded trail run which starts and ends at the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. This run serves as a fundraiser for conservation and education programs in Berkshire County. You may also participate by walking. All racers can join in a post-race celebration in the big red barn. There will be lots of prizes and giveaways for participants. Register online via the Berkshire Running Center website. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. ($$)

Tuesday, June 27, 4pmHISTORY/INDUSTRY
Do you know when the “golden age of carousels” occurred? Between 1880 and 1930, over 3,000 wooden carousels were made in the United States. The figures for these carousels reflect the artistic styles of master craftsmen, and tell a story of immigrant trade and American industry. Jim Shulman will give a talk at Ventfort Hall illuminating this history and explaining how the carousel figures were made, as well as how the carousels operated. Along with his wife, Shulman directed and backed the Berkshire Carousel which opened in 2016. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA. ($$)

Wednesday, June 28, 7:30pmHISTORY/PARANORMAL
Teens and adults who enjoy spooky stories and exploring unfamiliar places will enjoy taking a “ghost tour” at The Mount. Syfy’s Ghost Hunters found The Mount to be full of eerie experiences. Whether or not you believe in anything supernatural, these tours are a fun and unique way of learning about history, as you tour the grounds of a place that was once a home to writers such as Edith Wharton, as well as actors, wealthy families, and hardworking servants. This program is not recommended for children under twelve. 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street. Lenox, MA. ($)

Wednesday, June 28, 8pm-9:30pmZOOLOGY/NATURAL HISTORY
Beavers have a remarkable impact on their habitat, as other animals are attracted to the ponds beavers create. Beavers help keep drinking water safe and increase biodiversity. Come to Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary to learn more about beavers’ habits and the history of beavers in North America. Beavers have spent 7 million years in this region, and many reintroduction efforts have taken place to improve declining beaver populations. The program leader will help attendees look for beavers as well as other wildlife who live in the ponds. This event is suitable for children ages three and up, and their caregivers. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. (<$)

Thursday, June 29, 8:30amLANGUAGE STUDIES/FRENCH
“Parlez-vous français?” There’s no better way to strengthen and support your knowledge of a language than by using it. Meet other Francophones for casual conversation at The Mount. If you are interested in additional resources for foreign language learning, read our post, Language Learning Resources in Western MA. Registration is required. 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street. Lenox, MA. (<$)

Friday, June 2, 3pm-5:30pmCIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Want to meet state Senator Adam Hinds? Directly contacting your representatives is a great way to get your voice heard. Ask questions, share your concerns, and promote your ideas to the Senator and his staff at a Speak Up Western Mass Forum. This forum will take place at the Berkshire Athenaeum. Senate President Stan Rosenberg will also be present. This event offers Berkshire County residents the chance to connect with government leaders and other politically involved community members. 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 10, 10am-4pmUPCYCLING/FIBER ARTS
Do you have any old jeans or corduroys that don’t fit anymore? You can make them into a picnic blanket and practice your sewing skills while you do so! A workshop at Shire City Sanctuary invites students to bring eight to ten pairs of discarded jeans, as well as eight yards of two inch wide cotton twill tape, and learn how to create a picnic blanket. Holes, stains, and other blemishes can be covered with fun, decorative patchwork. Patching materials will be provided. Experience using a sewing machine is necessary. Registration is required and space is limited. To register, please send payment of a comfortable amount to Crispinaffrench@paypal.com or Crispina ffrench. 413-236-9600. 40 Melville Street. Pittsfield, MA. (DONATION)

Saturday, June 17, 10am-12pmCREATIVE FREE PLAY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES
Let your imagination run wild at the Berkshire Museum’s Imagination Playground™, an innovative design in play equipment that encourages creativity, communication, and collaboration in play. Unstructured, child-directed play has proven to help kids develop physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. Imagination Playground™ provides a changing array of elements that allow children to turn their playground into a space constantly built and rebuilt by their imagination. Included with regular museum admission. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Route 7. Pittsfield, MA. ($; children under 18 <$; members, ages three and under FREE)

Friday, June 30, 8pm-9:30pmENTOMOLOGY/FIREFLIES
Fireflies, or lightning bugs, use bioluminescence to attract prey or mates. Their twinkling against the night sky is one of summer’s beautiful, natural scenes. Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary invites you to a firefly frolic in the community garden pavilion. Visitors will learn fun facts about fireflies, play a game, and take a walk in the meadows searching for fireflies. In the event of rain, this program will be canceled. Appropriate for all ages, and especially fun for families with children. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited and registration is required. 413-637-0320. Holmes Road. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 3, 4pm-5pmLOCAL HISTORY
Stockbridge was home to many active mills from the 1740s to the 1900s. What did these water-powered industries produce? Why don’t they run anymore? Find out on a cemetery walk guided by volunteers from the Stockbridge Library’s Procter Museum & Archives. 413-298-5501. The walk gathers at the cemetery gate on Main Street. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)

Tuesday, June 6, 9:30am-11am; Tuesday, June 13, 9:30am-11am, Tuesday, June 20, 9:30am-11amNATURE STUDIES
The average American child spends about thirty minutes of their day in unstructured, outdoor play, and more than seven hours in front of a screen (see this report for more information). Most people intuitively understand the connection between time spent in nature and positive well-being. Fresh air and exercise keep our bodies in shape and our minds focused. But did you know that time spent outdoors in childhood is also correlated with better distance vision? For young, developing children, the benefits are endless. You and your child can increase your time spent outdoors by participating in a nature playgroup at Naumkeag. The playgroup is best-suited for three to six-year-olds. It is not stroller friendly, though babies in arms are welcome. Participants, both children, and caregivers can expect to get very dirty and explore some of the most remote corners of the property. Registration is required. Call 413-298-3239 ex 3013. 5 Prospect Hill. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)

Thursday, June 8, 6pm-7:30pmORNITHOLOGY
For those who like to explore the Housatonic river, whether by walking alongside or paddling above it, bird watching can add an educational component to these adventures. You can learn how to identify the kinds of birds that live along the Housatonic, by attending a presentation by Jonathan Pierce. Learn tips on how to identify several birds by appearance and song. Those who are interested can also sign up for a paddling and birdwatching trip on June 10. Call the Housatonic Valley Association at 413-298-7024 to register for either or both events. Merwin House. 14 Main Street. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)

Tuesday, June 13, 9:30am-11amNATURE STUDIES
The average American child spends about thirty minutes of their day in unstructured, outdoor play, and more than seven hours in front of a screen (see this report for more information). Most people intuitively understand the connection between time spent in nature and positive well-being. Fresh air and exercise keep our bodies in shape and our minds focused. But did you know that time spent outdoors in childhood is also correlated with better distance vision? For young, developing children, the benefits are endless. You and your child can increase your time spent outdoors by participating in a nature playgroup at Naumkeag. The playgroup is best-suited for three to six year olds. It is not stroller friendly, though babies in arms are welcome. Participants, both children and caregivers, can expect to get very dirty and explore some of the most remote corners of the property. Registration is required. Call 413-298-3239 ex 3013. 5 Prospect Hill. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)

Friday, June 16, 10am-5pmART STUDIES/SCULPTUREChesterwood celebrates and commemorates the work of Daniel Chester French, the sculptor best known for his statue of Abraham Lincoln (1920) created for the Lincoln Memorial. But what does contemporary sculpture look like? You can view the work of fifteen contemporary artists in a new exhibition, Contemporary Sculpture, at Chesterwood. The exhibition was guest curated by Sharon Bates. 413-298-3579. 4 Williamsville Road. Stockbridge, MA. ($$; Ages 17 and under <$)

Saturday, June 17, 11amART STUDIES/SCULPTUREChesterwood celebrates and commemorates the work of Daniel Chester French, the sculptor best known for his statue of Abraham Lincoln (1920) created for the Lincoln Memorial. But what does contemporary sculpture look like? You can view the work of fifteen contemporary artists in a new exhibition, Contemporary Sculpture, at Chesterwood. Guest curator Sharon Bates will lead a walking tour of the sculpture show, free with museum admission. Meet at Barn Gallery. 413-298-3579. 4 Williamsville Road. Stockbridge, MA. ($$; Ages 17 and under <$)

Saturday, June 17, 4pmOCEANOGRAPHY/CLIMATE CHANGE
Oceans are a key component of our Earth’s climate. The oceans have absorbed about one third of the carbon dioxide emitted from fossil fuel burning and deforestation. The resulting acidification and warming of the oceans could have drastic impacts on human life. Dr. Mea S. Cook, Associate Professor of Geosciences at Williams College, will be giving a lecture at the Stockbridge Library teaching attendees about the ocean’s role in the natural climate. Cook will draw upon information from past climate changes to anticipate the future of climate changes. 413-298-5501. 46 Main Street. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)

Tuesday, June 20, 9:30am-11amNATURE STUDIES
The average American child spends about thirty minutes of their day in unstructured, outdoor play, and more than seven hours in front of a screen (see this report for more information). Most people intuitively understand the connection between time spent in nature and positive well-being. Fresh air and exercise keep our bodies in shape and our minds focused. But did you know that time spent outdoors in childhood is also correlated with better distance vision? For young, developing children, the benefits are endless. You and your child can increase your time spent ourdoors by participating in a nature playgroup at Naumkeag. The playgroup is best-suited for three to six year olds. It is not stroller friendly, though babies in arms are welcome. Participants, both children and caregivers, can expect to get very dirty and explore some of the most remote corners of the property. Registration is required. Call 413-298-3239 ex 3013. 5 Prospect Hill. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)

Tuesday, June 20, 6:30pmLINGUISTICS/LITERACY
Are you a logophile (a lover of words and word games)? Come to the Stockbridge Library’s next meeting, which is open to the public, for a presentation by Peter Sokolowski, Merriam-Webster Editor-at-Large. The brief business portion of the meeting will welcome new board members.Then Sokolowski will explore the “dictionary as data” with his presentation. Studying current and can teach about history, culture, and linguistics. 413-298-5501. 46 Main Street. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, June 25, 3pm-5pmART STUDIES/SCULPTUREChesterwood celebrates and commemorates the work of Daniel Chester French, the sculptor best known for his statue of Abraham Lincoln (1920) created for the Lincoln Memorial. But what does contemporary sculpture look like? You can view the work of fifteen contemporary artists in a new exhibition, Contemporary Sculpture, at Chesterwood. The exhibition was guest curated by Sharon Bates. Come to the opening reception on June 25 to learn more. 413-298-3579. 4 Williamsville Road. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)

Thursday, June 29, 5pm-8pm PLACEMAKING/MUSIC STUDIESNaumkeag is the former estate of the Choate family, including noted lawyer Joseph Hodges Choate. The home was built at the height of the Gilded Age. Families can visit Naumkeag for an evening of live, local music in the gardens! For more information call 413-298-8138 or email mmoulton@thetrustees.org. 5 Prospect Hill. Stockbridge, MA. (<$)

South Berkshire

Sunday, June 11, 3pmTHEATER
You don’t have to leave the country to see international theater! Watch Peter Pan in HD at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, the next-best thing to a live performance in person. This recorded performance of JM Barrie’s much-loved tale was captured at the National Theater in London. When Peter Pan, leader of the Lost Boys, loses his shadow, headstrong Wendy helps him to reattach it. In return, she is invited to Neverland, where Tinkerbell the fairy, Tiger Lily and the vengeful Captain Hook await. A riot of magic, music and make-believe ensues. A delight for children and adults alike, Sally Cookson (NT Live: Jane Eyre) directs this wondrously inventive production, a co-production with Bristol Old Vic theatre. 413-528-0100. 14 Castle Street. Great Barrington, MA. ($$)

Tuesday, June 13, 5:30pm-6:30pmMUSIC STUDIES
Songwriting combines musical and literary creativity. Writing songs allows you to express yourself in a way which also benefits the listener as you brighten their day with your music. Local musician and songwriter Michael Lesko will be running a songwriting workshop for teens and adults at the Mason Library. No musical background is necessary. Lesko is a former Berklee College of Music student; he will help participants explore the vulnerability of songwriting and musical performance. 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 3, 10:30am-12:30amCIRCUS/HORSEBACK RIDINGHippity Hop CIRCUS is a rare, family-friendly theatrical performance, combining horseback riding with circus acts! Circus performances demonstrate the amazing flexibility, strength, and creativity humans possess. Horseback riding is also a beautiful and impressive sport which requires communication between the rider and the horse. Staff and students will be showing off their of Blue Rider Stables will be showing off their riding skills to a musical performance. Held regardless of weather. Refreshments available for purchase. Call 413-528-5299 for more information. 15 Farm Lane. South Egremont, MA. (<$)

Friday, June 2, 10:30am-11:30amLITERACY
Parents understand the importance of reading- how it can open up a world of both learning and enjoyment for their children as they grow. Even before your children attends an educational institution, you can help them develop pre-reading skills in preparation for the challenging process of learning to read. The Bushnell-Sage Library is offering a five-week series for families which will include storytimes and play time. Families will receive picture books, a book bag, lots of information, and resources for further learning. Registration is required for the full 5-week session. 413-229-7004. 48 S Main Street. Sheffield, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, June 4, 9am-11amOUTDOOR ADVENTURES/CANOE
Paddling down a river gives you a new perspective and the chance to study wildlife while getting fresh air and exercise. Bartholomew’s Cobble is offering guided trips on the Housatonic River. You’ll have the chance to see blue herons, otters, beavers, diving spiders and much more on a trip down and up stream. Make sure you are prepared to paddle an hour upstream against a current. Registration is required. For more information call 413-298-3239 ex3 013
413-229-8600. 117 Cooper Hill Road. Sheffield, MA. ($$)

Saturday, June 17, 9am-12pmSERVICE BASED-LEARNING
Learn about ecology and the basics of invasive plant management by volunteering for a spring trail cleanup day at Bartholomew’s Cobble. Participants will pull the invasive plant garlic mustard, helping the other species on the trails thrive. All ages are welcome to this family-friendly event. Basic tools will be provided. Bring gloves and hand tools if you have them. Bring water, snacks, layers and tick protection. Be prepared to go off trail. For more information call 413-532-631 ex 3119. 117 Cooper Hill Road. Sheffield, MA. (VOLUNTEER)

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Welcome!

Welcome to Hilltown Families, an award-winning community-based education network, serving the four counties of Western Massachusetts.

Founded in 2005 by Sienna Wildfield, Hilltown Families believes in creating resilient and sustainable communities by strengthening a sense of place through methods of community engagement that supports interests and values.

By highlighting the embedded learning found in community-based resources, events, and opportunities, learning becomes inclusive, accessible, and intergenerational while remaining relevant to the learner. When community members are brought together through shared interests, meaningful connections are fostered through a shared history based in community engagement.

Awarded the "Essential Agent of Change Award" by the MDPH's Massachusetts Essentials for Childhood, Hilltown Families is recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting "positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness."

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“We try to go to at least one of the Hilltown Families recommended events each weekend to keep our son experiencing new, educational, and community oriented experiences. Hilltown Families supports my interests in education through community engagement by providing a network of families with similar interests in the same area…a sense of belonging to a group that supports my goals and interests.” – Yi-Lo Yu (Southampton, MA)

"Hilltown Families keeps us connected with all the amazing educational and cultural activities and resources that abound here in W. Mass and curates them in a way to let us know just what’s out there for the many varied interests of our young families and communities, while creating networks of support and growth." - Kara Kitchen (Plainfield, MA)

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disclaimer

Information provided on Hilltown Families (HTF) is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Reasonable efforts are made to provide the most accurate information, but no guarantees of any kind can be made. Information can be changed without prior notice. Please check with 3rd parties to confirm all listings for date/time, cost, location and age appropriateness before attending. Opinions expressed on HTF are that of the writer and not necessarily that of HTF. In no event shall HTF be liable (directly or indirectly) for any losses or damages causes (or allegedly caused) in connection with HTF. All health and wellness related information is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used to substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. All provided links are provided as a courtesy and not as an endorsement. HTF is not responsible for the content of external websites.